Sangbad Voice 9, Odisha and Kolkata Desk: The formidable cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ has positioned itself perilously close to the Odisha coast, within a mere 200 kilometers, as of Thursday afternoon. The state is currently grappling with torrential downpours, fierce winds, and tumultuous sea conditions. In light of the impending storm, 203 trains have been canceled, and flight operations have been disrupted as Cyclone Dana draws nearer.
The India Meteorological Department
(IMD) has indicated that the cyclone is poised to make landfall in the early
hours of Friday, between the Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port, with
wind velocities potentially soaring to 120 km/h. A ‘red warning’ has been
issued for seven districts—Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak,
Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur—signifying the need for immediate action due to
anticipated heavy to very heavy rainfall. Furthermore, an ‘orange warning’ has
been disseminated for five additional districts, including Puri, Khurda,
Nayagarh, and Dhenkanal, alerting residents to prepare for significant rainfall
during this critical period.
As Cyclone Dana approaches, parts of
Odisha and West Bengal have already begun to experience heavy precipitation,
prompting authorities in both states to expedite evacuation efforts for lakhs
of residents from vulnerable coastal districts ahead of the cyclone's expected
landfall tonight. The IMD has cautioned that Cyclone Dana, having intensified
into a severe cyclonic storm, threatens to affect nearly half of Odisha's
populace, while West Bengal braces for exceptionally heavy rainfall today and
tomorrow.
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan
Majhi, after assessing the state’s readiness, revealed that only 30 percent of
the individuals—approximately 3-4 lakh residing in the designated 'danger
zone'—had been evacuated by Wednesday evening.
What measures are being implemented?
·
With Cyclone Dana looming, authorities
have urged devotees to refrain from visiting the Jagannath temple in Puri.
Efforts to safeguard the ancient 12th-century shrine are being hastened to
mitigate the cyclone's impact. Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain has
advised that devotees, particularly those participating in the month-long
‘Kartik Brata’ ritual, should avoid the temple for their safety.
·
The National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF) has initiated awareness campaigns across districts such as Mahakalpada
and Kendrapara, conducting door-to-door outreach and utilizing loudspeakers to
inform residents about the impending threat of Cyclone Dana.
·
Coastal regions of Odisha experienced
heavy rainfall and robust winds on Thursday morning, while the sea remained
tumultuous as Cyclone Dana inched closer to the state’s shoreline.
·
Several districts in West Bengal also
reported moderate to heavy rainfall on Thursday morning as Cyclone Dana
approached the coasts of both states.
·
Evacuation operations from perilous
zones are actively underway as authorities brace for the cyclone's arrival.
·
The IMD anticipates that Cyclone Dana
will make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port early
Friday, with the process commencing on the night of October 24.
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